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Samhain - Halloween

Ulster Folk Museum, 153 Bangor Road, Cultra, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EU
Discover the origins, traditions and folklore of Halloween (Samhain) at Ulster Folk Museum.

About

Long before fireworks and trick-or-treating, there was Samhain - the ancient Celtic festival that originated in Ireland, where Halloween truly began. This October, experience Halloween for real at the Ulster Folk Museum.

In times past, it was believed that during Samhain the veil between worlds grew thin, allowing spirits, fairies, and other supernatural beings to slip into our realm. Masks were crafted and worn to ward off these malevolent forces. Create your own nature mythology mask with Annan's Arch using foraged natural materials and specialised fabrics. Will your mask keep the ghouls away?

Discover the origins and traditions of Samhain, meet suspicious characters and encounter their uncanny tales. You can also help solve a murder mystery! Listen to Irish language storytelling (Scéalaíocht i nGaeilge) with Aodán 'Jaff' Mac Séafraidh. Get hands-on at craft stations, hear spooky stories for the little ones, and look out for the Armagh Rhymers, dressed in traditional masks and costumes.

As always, you can explore authentic exhibit buildings and meet talented makers who will be demonstrating their crafts. Visit Tea Lane, the Bank House, and the Parochial Hall to sample traditional foods such as colcannon, barmbrack, and apple pie.

Book Tickets

Facilities

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£13.50 per ticket
Child£8.50 per ticket
Concession£10.50 per ticket
Family£39.50 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

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Visitors enjoying picnics in the grounds of the Folk MuseumUlster Folk Museum, HolywoodRefresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

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Tel+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

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Opening Times

Season (29 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Wednesday10:00 - 16:00
Season (30 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Thursday10:00 - 16:00
Season (31 Oct 2025)
DayTimes
Friday10:00 - 16:00

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